I would
encourage all Twins fans to check out
this posting. If you are interested in a CD account of the
2004 Twins season, set to music, get it here! I got the 2003 version
last year and it was very well done. For all details,
click here!
SETHSPEAKS on WCCO
- For those in the Minneapolis area, I will be on WCCO radio (830
am) on Sunday afternoon in the 1:00 hour (approximately 1:10-1:50).
Yes, I know it is right during the middle of the Vikings game. But,
it sounds like we'll talk about the Twins, the Hot Stove league, and
other fun topics.
Good
Friday morning everyone! Lots happened in the world of baseball in
the last 24-48 hours and I have a huge suspicion that some other
huge free agent deals and trades will go down this weekend, if not
today (or by the time you read this). I will talk about all of that
below. It is also Friday, so that means that our “Experts” will make
their selections for the NFL’s Week 15 games. But the primary piece
of today’s posting is going to be an interview I have been talking
about much of the week, an interview that I am very excited about.
The
Twins minor league system is as good as any organization’s system.
There are a number of prospects that are very near the big leagues.
But there are also waves of prospects at every level that should
keep the Minnesota Twins competitive for years to come, even with
their self-inflicted budget restraints.
One of
the team’s most exciting prospects is
Alexander Smit. Of all the Twins pitching prospects, he may
have the highest ceiling. The 19 year old left-hander from Holland
signed with the Twins organization in July of 2002 and went to the
instructional league. The team is, wisely, being very patient with
this talented, but youthful, southpaw. In 2003, he played with the
Twins short-season rookie team in Ft. Myers. In 8 games, Smit went
3-1 with a 1.18 ERA. In 38 innings, he struck out 40 hitters! An
excellent start to his pro career. Last year, Smit began the season
at Extended Spring Training again, and moved up to Elizabethton, the
Twins other short-season team. He continued to impress. In six
games, he was 1-1 with a 2.54 ERA. However, in 28.1 innings, he
struck out 43 batters. That’s 13.7 per nine innings! He also dropped
his walk rate. He pitched less because he was a member of the Dutch
Olympic team and pitched in Athens. Recently, I ranked
Smit my #20 Twins prospect. By potential, he
should be a top 5 prospect, even on this team. I just want to give
him a year at a full-season minor league team. Smit’s youth, his
build, his arm, and his makeup are all reasons that he is so highly
thought of. 2005 should be an interesting season for Alexander
Smit. Will he move up to Beloit, the Twins Low-A team? That
would be my guess. But I also have to think that the Twins will do
what they feel is best for Smit’s long-term future within the
organization, and that is smart!
Recently,
I asked Alexander if he would be interested in answering a number of
questions for me and my readers for this website. He told me he was
definitely willing to, so I asked him a number of questions. He
answered so well and so graciously, and was even willing and
encouraged a few follow-up questions. It is impressive, especially
when you remember that English is not Alexander’s primary language.
So, thank you very much to Alexander again! Best wishes for
continued success, and hopefully all within the Twins organization!
If you
have any questions, please
e-mail me. I’d
love to hear your thoughts. Also, I mentioned it on the
Dickie Thon Twins Fan Forum here, so you can post your
thoughts there too. So, let’s get to the interview:
Hello Alexander, and thank you
very much for taking the time to answer some questions for us.
SethSpeaks:
First, you are from The Netherlands. Have you talked to another
person from there, former Twins pitcher and current Twins TV
announcer Bert Blyleven? If so, what has he told you?
Alexander Smit:
I did not talk to anybody else like Bert Blyleven. I
tried to meet him in person a couple of times but we missed each
other by seconds.
I will try again this spring training because
Bert is a celebrity in Holland too.
SethSpeaks:
Is The Netherlands the same as Holland? What is the capital?
Alexander Smit:
The Netherlands is the same as Holland, both names are used but
the Netherlands is the official name of the country. Our capital
is Amsterdam.
SethSpeaks:
What is the language of your country? How many languages can you
speak? And, what do you do, or do the Twins do for you, to help you
with your English?
Alexander Smit:
Our language is Dutch. I speak Dutch (of course) and English, a
little bit German and I try to learn a bit of Spanish.
The Twins speak English (haha) and they help me
to speak English better in doing so.
SethSpeaks:
Who were your favorite baseball players when you were younger?
Alexander Smit:
My favorite player (only one) when I was younger was Ken
Griffey Junior.
SethSpeaks:
What is the youth baseball program like in The Netherlands? Are
other sports big there? Did you play other sports?
Alexander Smit:
The youth baseball program in Holland is nothing compared to
that in the USA. Still, everybody tries hard and during the
years and with the help of American coaches the program is
getting better end better. A lot needs to be done though. The
one big sport in Holland is soccer. It outnumbers all other
sports. By the way, that counts for all of Europe. They are all
big soccer lovers.
I used to play a lot of tennis and still play
golf besides my baseball.
SethSpeaks:
You were a member of the 2004 Netherlands Olympic Baseball team.
What was it like to represent your country in the Olympics? Was it
an enjoyable experience for you?
Alexander Smit:
It was a great experience to represent my country in the
Olympics. It sure was enjoyable and for the bigger picture and
the inside stories you can better look and read on
my web-site www.alexandersmit.com. Click on English and you
can read and see it all.
SethSpeaks:
You have a great web site that chronicles your career with the Twins
and your time at the Olympics, with great pictures and more. How
long have you had the site and how much time to you spend on it?
Alexander Smit:
Thanks for the compliments about my web site. We have had a
great time making it. I spend about one hour every two days
keeping the site in order. For the rest and the programming my
friend Rene de Wit does the work. He is the web master.
SethSpeaks:
What was the process like for you when Major League teams started
contacting you?
Alexander Smit:
The process was about the same as everybody else, I think.
Scouts come over and follow you for a couple of years. They were
always around at the big tournaments for the youth, like
European and World Championships. But they also came and looked
when I was in the competition. In these days, all the talents
are together and scouts start contacting you.
SethSpeaks:
You received a lot of big money offers from other teams, why did you
choose to play for the Minnesota Twins?
Alexander Smit:
I chose for the Twins because of the system. I believed and
still believe that the system of the Twins is the best . Also my
father and other people that know baseball advised me to choose
the Twins. But I had to make up my mind myself and the quality
of the system was the point that made the difference for me.
SethSpeaks:
How has the adjustment to living in the United States during the
baseball season been? What has been your favorite part about this
country?
Alexander Smit:
The adjustment of living in the USA has been rather easy. People
are great, and I feel at home when I’m there. My favorite part
of the USA is Florida. Nice temperatures (I love warmth) and
Fort Myers is a great place to be. On the other hand, I have not
seen much of this great country, and it is possible that I will
change my mind in the future
SethSpeaks:
Can you name a couple of your teammates that you think can make it
to the major leagues?
Alexander Smit:
Teammates of whom I think they will make it to the big leagues:
Trevor Plouffe and Glen Perkins.
SethSpeaks:
Who have been some of the people that you would say most helped you
get to where you are now as a baseball player?
Alexander Smit:
The most help I had as a baseball player from my father (coached
me until I was 13) and my head coach from the first team when I
was older. He taught me a lot of things that are very useful in
baseball and in pitching, like how to throw different pitches
and so on.
SethSpeaks:
How would you describe yourself as a pitcher? What is your best
pitch (or pitches)?
Alexander Smit:
I am a real starter. My best pitch is the fastball outside.
SethSpeaks:
Where do you feel that you need to really improve at this point to
keep moving up the Twins minor league system?
Alexander Smit:
I have to improve on consistency to keep on moving up.
SethSpeaks:
When you say you have to improve your consistency to move up, what
do you mean? More strikes, more consistent release point, any other
things?
Alexander Smit:
With consistency, I mean that my delivery point of the strikes
has to be more consistent. So a strike, when I want one, and
less balls when I want a strike instead.
SethSpeaks:
What have the Twins told you about where you will play next season?
Alexander Smit:
The Twins have told me nothing about where I will play in 2005.
I will hear that in spring training 2005.
SethSpeaks:
Do you set goals for yourself? If so, what are your goals for 2005?
Alexander Smit:
My goal for 2005 is going up: Up to a higher team, up in
pitching speed, up in strength, up in consistency.
SethSpeaks:
So, what do you do during your offseason? School? What do you do to
prepare for next season? Do the Twins have a workout program for you
to follow?
Alexander Smit:
During the off season, I workout in the gym for 3 or more hours
per day. I throw with a pitcher from the Marlins (a friend of
mine) on the nearby baseball field together and workout with the
Olympic swimming team from Holland in the big pool in our place.
One of their members is the 3 times gold medal winner Pieter
van den Hoogeband.
The Twins have sent me a detailed program for the
off season to follow which I do, of course. This program
contains training exercises for power, speed and athletics, as
for the right meals and rest periods. If you follow the program,
you are in great shape when spring training starts. There is not
time enough for school. I have finished high school and college
takes to much time to attend.
SethSpeaks:
When would you like to see yourself in a Twins uniform? What will it
feel like when you make the Major Leagues?
Alexander Smit:
I hope to be in the Twins uniform in 2009. The feeling will be
one of great pride and honour if that’s the case. (frankly, I
will probably go out of my mind!!)
SethSpeaks:
Thank you again for taking the time to answer these questions. Is
there anything else you would like Twins fans to know about you?
Alexander Smit:
One thing you might want to know about me is that I love
Japanese food especially Sushi.
SethSpeaks:
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Thanks
again to Alexander Smit for doing this. I think it was fun
and hope you all enjoyed it. If you have any questions or comments,
please e-mail me.
BASEBALL THOUGHTS
Wow!
Yesterday was quite the day for big-named free agents to sign, and
for bigger named pitchers to be traded to the other league! I expect
this to really start the signings. I would expect this weekend to
bring more signings, even some of the more significant ones! I love
the Hot Stove League!
Richie Sexson Signs in Seattle
– 4 years and $50 million. Sexson and Troy Glaus both missed
much of last season with shoulder injuries, yet both have signed
lucrative deals this offseason. Sexson is a huge power hitter, so if
he can stay healthy, this is probably a fair deal.
Adrian Beltre Signs in Seattle
– 5 years, $64 million. Beltre was the big free agent 3B. He’s just
25 years old and has already played six seasons in the big leagues.
He had a monster 2004, even playing through a lot of pain, so that
justifies the big contract. Put Beltre and Sexson back-to-back in
the lineup and the Mariners have a pretty potent combo. Beltre was a
guy known for his potential, but had never really reached it until
this year, his contract year. It will be interesting to see if he
remains motivated. If he is, good deal. If not, HUGE waste!!
It is
interesting that when the Mariners were close to championship
caliber teams, GM Pat Gillick did not make moves. Now, after a near
100 loss season, the team is spending a lot of money, and they may
not be done dealing.
Another White Sox Deal
– The White Sox signed SS Juan Uribe to a 3 year, $9.75
million deal. It is probably a very fair annual salary for Uribe. I
just have to wonder why they found it so necessary to sign Uribe
long-term. He did not even play full-time last year. Just another
Sox deal that makes me, as a Twins fan, very happy!
Smoltz Signs Extension
– Days after acquiring Danny Kolb from the Brewers and
John Smoltz was moved back to the starting rotation, he signed a
deal that will keep him in a Braves uniform an extra two years (at
$10 million a year!). Smoltz was on MLB Radio yesterday talking
about how no Braves player had spent his entire career with the
Braves, and he wanted to do that. The Braves must have wanted that
too. Now, I have questioned moving Smoltz back into the rotation,
thinking his arm will soon fall off. He addressed that question as
well by saying that in the bullpen, he needs to come in and go 100
mph right away. As a starter, he will be able to ease into a game
and really take care of his arm better. If he is healthy, this is a
fair deal. I still worry about his elbow and shoulder.
Tim Hudson Becomes A Brave
– A very interesting part of Smoltz’s interview was that he kept
mentioning how the Braves needed to acquire another arm to make
their rotation solid. He kept mentioning one name over and over.
That name, was Tim Hudson. Was Smoltz told of the impending
deal? Interestingly, just two hours later, it was announced that the
Braves had acquired Hudson from the A’s in exchange for RHP Juan
Cruz, OF Charles Thomas and LHP Dan Meyer.
Apparently Meyer was the key to the deal for the A’s. Meyer is a
great pitching prospect, as I mentioned earlier when I heard that he
was the PTBNL in the Kolb deal, and the A’s are thrilled to have
him. Juan Cruz has never made it as a starter, but continues
to put up great strikeout numbers. He was also successful out of the
bullpen. Charles Thomas came seemingly out of nowhere and put
up very solid numbers for the Braves in ½ season of play.
Now, all
along, the A’s have insisted that they needed a 2B and some pitching
in exchange for Hudson. But the day before, they had acquired
Keith Ginter from the Brewers, so that was no longer a need. I
am still a little surprised that Nick Green was not included in this
deal. The name that surprised me most was Charles Thomas. I
figured he would be the Braves LF this year. But he will have a shot
to play with the A’s as well.
After
seeing what it cost the Braves to acquire Tim Hudson, I know
longer feel bad about what I suggested the
Twins offer the Brewers for Ben Sheets! Hudson is an
incredible pitcher, a staff ace for 90% of the teams in the big
leagues. He will be the Braves ace, followed in the rotation by
Smoltz, John Thomson, Mike Hampton and either
Horacio Ramirez or Kyle Davies. Great trade for the
Braves because I don’t think they gave up anything major to acquire
such an incredible pitcher! Interestingly, Hudson is a Georgia
native who went to college at Auburn. Just an added bonus.
Royals Acquire Eli Marrero (Twins connection?)
– You may wonder why I would include this very minor deal in my
listing. Well, after the Braves traded Charles Thomas, only
Andruw Jones and Eli Marrero were likely starters in
the Braves outfield. And then they traded Marrero to the Royals for
a young relief pitcher? So, now Jones is the only certain in the
Braves outfield. Maybe Chipper Jones moves back to LF and the
team will bring up Andy Marte to play 3B? Is it possible that
the Braves could be interested in the Twins Jacque Jones?
Maybe there could be a deal worked out between the teams to make
that happen! Just something worth thinking about and following.
The BIG UNIT Trade
– OK, this is still in rumor form, but it is pretty close! Here is
the breakdown as it is believed to be going down (waiting a few
details, like dollars and no-trade clauses):
To the Yankees To
the Dodgers To the
Diamondbacks
LHP Randy
Johnson RHP Javier
Vazquez RHP Brad Penny
3B Eric
Duncan OF Shawn Green
C
Dionner Navarro RHP Yhency Brazoban
First,
the Yankees did well. They get Johnson and his contract, and likely
will have to give him a contract extension. But they do know what
they get. The Dodgers come out VERY well in this deal too. I can see
Javier Vazquez regaining his prior abilities by moving to the
Dodgers! Eric Duncan is the Yankees Top Prospect (take that
for what it is worth), and is a couple years away. Dionner
Navarro has a chance to be the Dodgers every day catcher next
year already. But the Diamondbacks actually did quite well also.
First, they will likely get plenty of cash in this deal to pay some
of these contracts. Shawn Green has had a couple of sub-par
seasons, but is adequate and in the last year of his contract.
Brad Penny, when healthy, is average, but showed that he can be
dominant at times. Yhency Brazoban is another one of those
great-stuff relievers, a la Guillermo Mota. He will
definitely be a big part of Arizona’s plan.
Not
knowing any of the “other” details, like where is cash flowing,
etc., I think this is a very good trade for all three teams. I think
that it has been a solid offseason for the Yankees now. I also think
that it has been a very bad offseason for the Red Sox, especially
their pitching staff, and I do think that the Yankees would have to
be given the edge at this point! That said, I don't think that Twins
fans need to be intimidated again. They can even sign Carlos
Beltran, and it won't make me worry any more about them. The
Twins and other teams can still compete with them!
So, what
do you think of all of these deals? What a busy day! E-mail me your
thoughts.
NFL “EXPERT” PICKS
Many
people come to this site each week to see our “experts” football
picks. If you look at our standings, you will see quite the cluster
at the top of the list. With just three more weeks to go, things
could get very interesting.
The
Vikings travel to Detroit and play the Lions on Sunday afternoon.
The Vikings really need a win. To do that, they will really need to
focus on stopping Lions rookie RB Kevin Jones who has really
been running well of late. Joey Harrington, following his
5-22-49 yard performance last week, will likely be on a short list.
Maybe the Vikings defense can give him some confidence. So, who am I
picking to win the game? See below:
(I have
to apologize. I did not get the games to the panelists until mid-day
yesterday. So, I will post these people's picks as I receive them.
Thanks!)
|
|
Seth Stohs |
Melissa
Olson |
Ben
Jacobs |
Aaron
Gleeman |
John
Bonnes |
Ryan
Maus |
|
|
SethSpeaks.net |
SethSpeaks.net |
Hardball
Times |
Aaron's
BB Blog |
Twins
Geek |
Twins
Chatter |
|
Pittsburgh @ NY Giants |
Steelers |
Steelers |
Steelers |
Steelers |
Steelers |
Steelers |
|
Washington @ San Francisco |
Redskins |
Redskins |
Redskins |
Redskins |
Redskins |
49ers |
|
Carolina @ Atlanta |
Panthers |
Falcons |
Falcons |
Panthers |
Panthers |
Falcons |
|
Houston @ Chicago |
Bears |
Texans |
Texans |
Texans |
Bears |
Texans |
|
Buffalo @ Cincinnati |
Bengals |
Bills |
Bills |
Bengals |
Bengals |
Bills |
|
San Diego @ Cleveland |
Chargers |
Chargers |
Chargers |
Chargers |
Chargers |
Chargers |
|
Minnesota @ Detroit |
Vikings |
Vikings |
Lions |
Vikings |
Lions |
Vikings |
|
Jacksonville @ Green Bay |
Packers |
Packers |
Packers |
Packers |
Packers |
Packers |
|
Seattle @ NY Jets |
Jets |
Jets |
Jets |
Jets |
Jets |
Jets |
|
Dallas @ Philadelphia |
Eagles |
Eagles |
Eagles |
Eagles |
Eagles |
Eagles |
|
St. Louis @ Arizona |
Rams |
Rams |
Rams |
Rams |
Cardinals |
Rams |
|
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay |
Saints |
Buccs |
Buccs |
Buccs |
Buccs |
Saints |
|
Denver @ Kansas City |
Chiefs |
Chiefs |
Chiefs |
Broncos |
Chiefs |
Chiefs |
|
Tennessee @ Oakland |
Titans |
Raiders |
Raiders |
Titans |
Raiders |
Raiders |
|
Baltimore @ Indianapolis |
Colts |
Colts |
Colts |
Colts |
Colts |
Colts |
|
New England @ Miami |
Patriots |
Patriots |
Patriots |
Patriots |
Patriots |
Patriots |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Labuda |
David
Bergner |
David
Bloom |
Vic
Quick |
Mike
Brasel |
Jeremy
Kovash |
|
|
ChiSox
Daily |
Baseball
Savant |
Ya
Gotta Believe |
KDUH-Sports |
FFB
Guru |
Wolf
Lake Mgr |
|
Pittsburgh @ NY Giants |
|
|
|
|
Steelers |
Steelers |
|
Washington @ San Francisco |
|
|
|
|
Redskins |
Redskins |
|
Carolina @ Atlanta |
|
|
|
|
Falcons |
Falcons |
|
Houston @ Chicago |
|
|
|
|
Texans |
Texans |
|
Buffalo @ Cincinnati |
|
|
|
|
Bengals |
Bills |
|
San Diego @ Cleveland |
|
|
|
|
Chargers |
Chargers |
|
Minnesota @ Detroit |
|
|
|
|
Vikings |
Vikings |
|
Jacksonville @ Green Bay |
|
|
|
|
Packers |
Packers |
|
Seattle @ NY Jets |
|
|
|
|
Jets |
Jets |
|
Dallas @ Philadelphia |
|
|
|
|
Eagles |
Eagles |
|
St. Louis @ Arizona |
|
|
|
|
Rams |
Rams |
|
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay |
|
|
|
|
Buccs |
Buccs |
|
Denver @ Kansas City |
|
|
|
|
Chiefs |
Broncos |
|
Tennessee @ Oakland |
|
|
|
|
Raiders |
Titans |
|
Baltimore @ Indianapolis |
|
|
|
|
Colts |
Colts |
|
New England @ Miami |
|
|
|
|
Patriots |
Patriots |
CHRISTMAS
IDEAS
If you're
looking for a great way
to organize your family's Christmas Wish Lists, be sure to
go to this site, designed by a good friend of mine.
And as I
mentioned last week, I got my copy of
2004 Hardball Times Baseball Annual! It is
far more impressive than I ever would have thought. Great articles,
get writing, and very interesting and comprehensive statistics. It
is well worth picking up for yourself or as a Christmas gift for
family and friends who are baseball fans! By it
here.
If you have any thoughts,
opinions or questions on any topic, please feel free to
e-mail me. Have a
great weekend!!
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